kinigit

Haven't read the whole thread yet so I'm not sure if someone said this yet, but Southwind used light and dark uniforms in 2005 or 2006 (I forget which year they folded).

I was actually in the Pride for a couple years, and I wouldn't classify it as corps style whatsoever (back then we pronounced double u instead of "dubba-ya"). The band I work for has around 200 members, and a full pit and battery. It is essentially a drum corps with a woodwind section; its a well balanced band. We actually do have a drumset player normally. The helicopter effect probably wouldn't fit anywhere in this year's show, but it is cool. We have a cymbal line, but they are pretty well taken care of. There will be several zany percussion effects, some of which are borrowed from some recent indoor drumline shows. Our student population at football games is quite small, so we aren't going to get into crowd participation. We have used special effects in the past, but we are trying to push it even further this coming season. I'm leaning towards more electronic instruments integrated into the show.

I definitely agree that the SCV helicopter effect was awesome. The Blue Devils 2003 horn arc space chord stuff is definitely one of the more memorable recent special effects (not involving electronics). I have been doing a lot of watching on the Fan Network (getting my $79 worth haha). The Bluecoats 2010 baritone solo is a really cool example of combining live instruments with synthesized effects. The Glassmen 2009 synth effect that blends into the hornline as they turn front field is awesome too. Several other corps continue to integrate electronics in the pit with the corps proper. Of course the 2000 Cadets show where the trumpets play each others horns is classic. The Cavaliers in 2005 alternate between flugel and trumpet (and I think play both at once?) The Freelancers in 1991 had a pic trumpet player who played a solo while being carried by a tuba player and another horn player.. I think they were playing too? The Blue Devils in 2004 utilized pedal tones and the mellophones used large cones to create a doppler effect. Phantom in 2007 (c. 6:30 mark) hornline turns front field during a silent guard toss (so loud!). Hey this is fun! Any other cool moments you can think of? Think compositionally as well, like sections of shows that trade subsection features (Cadets 2000, Cadets 2007), or the way instruments are utilized for their sonic characteristics. The most vivid example of this in my mind is the use of the mellophone as a lead instrument, a sonority that cuts through all else and carries the counterpoint (basically any of Phantom's writing over the last six years or so).

I like the vocal drumming, but the band did that a few years back already. One of the trends I've noticed from a compositional standpoint is the mellophone parts written as sort of a textural emphasis in sustained chords, sometimes high, always very loud. Call and response figures, features, electronics, horn moves; any specific shows or moments that come to mind?

Hey excellent ideas! We aren't against electronics at all. In fact, I've been pushing for more of this kind of thing. Any other ideas?

I have been working with a pretty well known college marching band for the last couple of years. I'm looking for cool musical effects that would work well in a corps style college band show for this coming fall. We have had a trumpet screamer for awhile, but he won't be with us in the future. We do one show, and this year we will be playing some custom arrangements of some Louie Bellson and Don Ellis tunes, so think 70s big band stuff. We are sort of modernizing the tunes for the field as well, so the effects (particularly brass) can run the gamut of drum corps musical effects. Anything from compositional elements (especially impact moments) to Blue Devils crunch space chord effects. I'm looking forward to reading your responses!

This is turning out to be one of the more competitive seasons that I've witnessed. A few weeks ago there was a definite split between 12 and 13. Now, you've got Academy and Colts closing the gap for 12, and semi's is anyone's guess at this point. I'm definitely hoping either Cadets or Cavies take it this year, as I have a friend in each corps that is aging out this year! From what I've seen online so far, it looks like Cavies have that kind of special show that could clean up and squeeze into the top spot on Finals night. Its going to be fun!

Oh hahaha. Yeah, better say "environmentally friendly balloons"

Good call. Do they have a specific name?

I was in the WVU band in 2004 and 2005. When did they start doing that??

I love how threads on DCP start as one thing, and end as another. Anyway, go Raiders!

This will probably cross into the pre-1989 historical section, but I need to know what drum corps shows featured balloons (especially big balloons). The University band that I work with wants to use balloons for part of their show, so I'm trying to figure out some logistics and creative ways of using them. Thanks!

I don't mean to be a corps basher, but I simply don't see how Citations is even close to being in the top 3. And in no way, shape, or form should they have beaten BDB, and SCVC (and a few other corps) in visual at Quarter Finals. Yes, they have a good guard, but their drill isn't great, and it wasn't executed that well. It seems like their on field marching is fairly good, but hard to tell from a webcast. Someone fill me in on this!

So, it sounds like many of you are okay with mediocre, somewhat inaccurate drum corps coverage by the mass media. Would you be okay with mediocre, somewhat inaccurate coverage of the World Series? Or how about the Olympics? I am not opening up conversation on those topics, but do you see what I mean? Why should we settle? I feel like the fat kid that gets picked last for dodge ball; it's okay as long as I'm picked! *Disclaimer* I do not condone picking on fat kids who like dodge ball.

Just my experience at the other dome venues. SORRY!